Red squirrels thriving in Scottish Highlands

Scotland is home to around 80% of the UK's red squirrels.

Although native to the UK, the red squirrel population has been under threat since non-native grey squirrels were brought here around 150 years ago.

But thanks to a rewilding project, the range of red squirrels in the Highlands has increased by more than 25% in 10 years.

So far this year, charity Trees for Life have relocated 259 red squirrels to 13 new sites where the species was missing.

Trees for Life introduce small numbers of red squirrels to woods where they will be safe from grey squirrels.

Before these reintroductions, they were mostly missing from the north and north-west Highlands.

It's hoped that the red squirrels' range can be expanded even further as part of a Missing Species Programme for the Highlands.

Becky Priestley from Trees for Life, said: "This rewilding success story is offering hope for the long-term survival of Scotland's much-loved red squirrels, and shows how we can make a real and positive difference to our native wildlife."

The charity hopes the Missing Species Programme for the Highlands, can also help bring back three other animals which are partly or fully missing from Scotland.

The £3.6 million programme, announced in November, will focus on red squirrels, lynx, beavers and a special species of cattle.